Mesh Shield

MESH SHIELD
MESH SHIELD
	“A projected shield that blocks from the front only, creating a shoot-through cover for teammates.”
// Profile //
Build	Heavy
Type	Specialization
// Stats //
Health	750
Cooldown	8s (damaged); 4s (undamaged)
Stack Size	1

The Mesh Shield is a Heavy class specialization that attaches a movable shield to its user to protect their team from incoming fire.

Effects

The Mesh Shield can be deployed to create a shield that is attached to its user. If the user moves or rotates, the shield will move with them.

The Mesh Shield absorbs incoming attacks (including melee attacks) and deflects projectiles, similarly to the Dome Shield.

Opponents can damage the shield to destroy it. The shield's health regenerates over time. If the shield breaks, it cannot be used again until enough shield health has been recovered.

Usage

The Mesh Shield can be selected as the specialization gadget of any Heavy build loadout.

The specialization trigger can be used to toggle on the gadget. It will remain active as long as it has health remaining or until it is toggled off again. The user can freely move, jump, use ziplines and so on while casting the Mesh Shield, but they cannot attack or use other items.

Controls	PC	PS	XBox	Key
Toggle on (Tap) Toggle off (Tap)	Q	R1	RB	Specialization

Properties

Gadget

Self Targeted — Can be activated to apply an effect to the contestant that used it.

Toggle — Can be enabled and disabled by reactivating.

Battery Charge — Uses up charge while used. Recharges over time. The Mesh Shield stores health as its charge.

Disarms User — Forces the user to stop using their other items for an extended time to be able to use the gadget effectively.

Shield

Destructible — Can be destroyed if its health is fully depleted, such as through hits from bullets or explosions. Teammates can also destroy it. Cannot be damaged by teammates.

Permanent — Does not disappear by itself as long as it is not broken.

Blocking — Absorbs damage from enemy bullets, deflects projectiles and blocks explosions.

Non-Solid — Contestants can pass through.

Strategy

Strengths

The large health pool and general operation of the Mesh Shield allows it to be effective in various offensive and defensive ways.
- Offensively, the shield can be used to push across open spaces that lack cover, cover a team's advance into an already guarded space, or even as a distraction tool. Deploying the shield during combat may cause enemies to become focused on it, allowing your teammates to take advantage.
- Defensively, the Mesh Shield is great at blocking incoming weapon fire, which makes it inherently effective at protecting your teammates who are stealing a Cashout. The shield can also block some thrown gadgets, such as Frag Grenades, which will bounce off of the shield's surface.

Weaknesses

The Mesh Shield is directly countered by Glitch effects, such as the ones created by Glitch Barrels or incoming Glitch Grenades. Glitch Grenades in particular will detonate on contact with the shield, instantly closing it.
Closing the shield will place it on cooldown, with a slightly longer cooldown being imposed if the shield was damaged. This prevents contestants from rapidly flickering the shield on and off.
Contestants currently deploying the Mesh Shield can not use their weapon or other gadgets. Switching to another item will close the shield.